Warning signs of rising threats to Australian politicians emerged before MP was hit by car

Haines injured in Wangaratta

Anthony Albanese described the incident as an apparent attack, while noting that investigators had not confirmed a motive. He spoke emotionally about MPs’ growing fear that they could become targets.

Warnings about threats grow

Politicians and experts have warned that threats are increasing as social cohesion weakens, polarisation grows and public debate becomes more heated. Josh Roose, a Deakin University professor on violent extremism, said such incidents had been occurring for well over a decade.

Roose also said political leaders must consider their own role. Mike Burgess, head of Australia’s spy agency, has repeatedly warned that political violence is a growing risk. Federal Police have said recent cases can be driven by grievance as well as ideology.

Recent threats raise concern

Albanese was evacuated from his official residence earlier this year after a bomb threat. By August, about 20 cases involving people accused of making violent threats against him were moving through courts around Australia.

Small Business Minister Anne Aly said last week she had received numerous death threats after an opposition politician said she should be “shamed and stoned in the square” over a tax policy. Some MPs in Canberra have complained that security arrangements have not kept pace with the threat climate.

Albanese said Haines was respected for her approach to public engagement. “That’s an important part of our democracy,” he said, referring to conversations with people in public places and forums.